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What Causes Memory Problem During Sickness In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Sat, 17 Oct 2015

Question: My Dad had a case of sepsis a few months ago. He had a lot of memory problems while he was ill, and during his recovery -- I think he is gradually improving, but he still has some short term memory problems. What can my family do to help him? I understand that severe infections can cause memory problems. He is also 85, so I'm sure some is age related too.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See neurologist , other tests, diary and alarm clocks,

Detailed Answer:
hi and thanks for the query

it is important in my opinion he gets a proper neurologic exam so the degree if memory loss be properly quantified. this is important to check how his memory evolves: whether it is stable , aggravating or improving . the extent will also guide in case any drugs are to be prescribed.

there are drugs that can help. however, the cause and extent are primordial for the neurologist before he prescribes.

writing in diaries and alarm clocks can be helpful for him in a short term basis .

infection could explain memory aggravation in case brain damage was involved. sepsis severe enough to damage the brain at some point and could partly explain the memory loss . however other neurological tests are needed to exclude other causes of memory loss in this case.

I suggest an appointment with the neurologist can be of immense help.

thanks and kind regards as I wish your dad the best of health.

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (2 hours later)

Thanks Dr. Bain. He was tested when admitted to the hospital for stroke - he did not have one, and they also said they did not see signs of Alzheimer's -- although they thought he had some white matter degeneration. It's my thought that the infection he had was not discovered for quite a while - until it became sepsis. Then they first treated with penicillin (which he is allergic to) and switched to another antibiotic - which worked, but he did come down with C-Diff while in the hospital which further complicated things. After 11 days in the hospital and several weeks recovering in a nursing home, he is home - and I do believe he is continuing to improve. He's walking on his own and getting about his daily life -- but with a lot of help from my Mom reminding him to do things. I'll see if he is willing to try the alarm clock and a diary - although he is quite stubborn, not something you can help with... XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
He needs encouragement. You just need to continue

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

I think with much encouragement and the love you and care you have towards him, he will for sure value it so much and for sure will do better with regards to that than you can imagine.

Too early to be discouraged. I am admire you love care and courage towards him.

Encourage him to use the diary and alarm clock, I think he can.

Kind regards as I wish you all the very best.

Dr Bain

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar